Rep. Helen Kerwin

Maddy summaryHB 4357 requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before accessing or using financial records (like bank or credit/debit card transactions) related to firearm or ammunition purchases in criminal investigations. It applies specifically to records showing purchases of firearms or ammunition, directly affecting police and prosecutors seeking such data. The bill mandates warrants must be issued by a judge in the same judicial district as the law enforcement agency, with written applications detailing probable cause and specific record details. Records gathered without a warrant under this law cannot be used in criminal court, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 474 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin during his official 2025 visit to Texas. It expresses appreciation for historical Irish-Texas ties, including the 10th anniversary of Ireland's Texas consulate and shared cultural connections like St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a ceremonial gesture with no new laws or obligations. It was adopted on March 31, 2025, and will be presented to the Taoiseach as a token of goodwill.

Maddy summaryHB 4210 authorizes the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to conduct a study on health, nutrition, physical activity, and chronic health issues in Texas. The study will analyze 50 years of existing data to examine historical trends in food and drink consumption (including sweetened beverages and processed foods), substance use (like caffeine, alcohol, and opioids), and physical activity levels. This research aims to provide insights into long-term patterns affecting public health, using existing historical records rather than creating new laws or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4235 allows Texas state and local governments (public employers) to accept work experience as an alternative to degree requirements for certain jobs. It permits substituting 2-9 years of "direct experience" (verified, relevant work history) for associate's to doctoral degrees, with specific year thresholds (e.g., 4 years for a bachelor's degree). The bill requires employers to advertise substitution opportunities in job postings and prohibits substitution for licensed positions. It also extends this rule to contractors providing services under government contracts. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4198 requires Texas school districts to update their library collection policies every five years to prohibit certain materials, including harmful content (per Penal Code), sexually explicit material rated by vendors, and content containing indecent or profane material. The bill mandates that policies must recognize parents as primary decision-makers for student library access, require transparency in cataloging, and prevent removal of materials based solely on ideas or author background. School districts that fail to comply face a civil penalty. This applies directly to all public school districts managing library collections, including classroom and online resources.

Maddy summaryHB 4195 prohibits Texas public schools and universities from entering contracts or accepting money from "foreign adversaries," defined as countries like China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Qatar, or others designated under U.S. law. It specifically bans arrangements involving research partnerships, student exchanges, faculty collaborations, or intellectual property sharing with these entities. Violations could result in fines up to 150% of the contract value, with collected penalties deposited into the state’s foundation school fund. The bill directly affects all public school districts and institutions of higher education in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 3979 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic physicians in Texas by creating Chapter 207 in the Occupations Code. The bill requires naturopathic physicians to obtain an occupational license to practice, defines "naturopathic medicine" as a primary healthcare system using natural therapies, and specifies their scope of practice - including physical exams, diagnostic tests, and therapies like hydrotherapy or botanical treatments. It authorizes licensing fees, sets penalties for violations, and creates criminal offenses for unlicensed practice. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to legally practice naturopathic medicine in Texas, requiring them to meet new regulatory standards before providing care.

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 3736 prohibits Texas public school districts and charter schools from serving food or drinks containing specific artificial color additives in school meals. The bill bans nine listed additives (including red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, and caramel) and any substantially similar substitutes. This policy directly affects school nutrition programs, requiring them to remove these additives from all meals served to students starting the 2025-2026 school year. The law does not apply to food sold in vending machines or à la carte items outside of regular meals.

Maddy summaryHB 3739 requires Texas public schools to include specific fetal development instruction in health classes for students in grades 7 through 12 starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates teaching about weekly fetal growth, medically assisted termination procedures (including abortion-inducing drugs), and other causes of fetal termination (such as drug/alcohol effects), alongside resources supporting pregnancy continuation through faith-based organizations. It does not require teaching about abortion access but specifies that recommended resources must not be linked to organizations providing or advocating for fetal termination. This policy directly affects Texas public school curricula and students in grades 7-12.